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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Melicope ternata is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Gum

The plant yields an edible gum that is used for chewing[46, 61, 173, 177]. It sweetens the breath[173].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antihalitosis

Antihalitosis[173].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Gum

None known

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant, but it only succeeds outdoors on a sunny wall in the warmest areas of Britain[166, 182]. It requires a sandy freely-draining lime-free soil and a position sheltered from hot drying winds[200]. Plants are not very frost hardy and are often defoliated in cold winters[245]. They are best grown in pots that are put outdoors in the summer and brought into a conservatory for the winter[200]. The bruised leaves have a pungent smell of oranges[245].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse[200]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Consider giving them some protection from the cold for their first few winters outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

AUSTRALASIA: New Zealand

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Melicope ternata - J.R.Forst.&G.Forst.